Henriquez snubs Chile for Wigan loan

Manchester United striker Angelo Henriquez will join Wigan on loan when the January transfer window opens.

Angelo Henriquez needs first-team football

Henriquez, who signed for United in the summer, has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson blocked an opportunity for the 18-year-old to play in the South American Under-20 Championship for Chile next month, so he can finalise a temporary switch to the DW Stadium.

The powerful youngster admitted his disappointment at being told to snub his country in order to advance his development at club level.

"I asked repeatedly to go [and play for Chile] and showed desire to do so. But they want me to go to Wigan and keep playing in the Premier League," Henriquez said, according to the Daily Mirror. "I would never say no to Chile. It would be a serious mistake, but United are not letting me go."

Henriquez has already held talks with Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, who is expected to offer the former Universidad de Chile starlet numerous opportunities to impress, especially with Arouna Kone set to miss most of January at the African Cup of Nations.

Henriquez added: "I already talked to the manager Roberto Martinez and he told me that I would have more chances. His idea is to have me as a substitute for Kone. It will then depend on me taking advantage of them."